To the editor:
This letter was shared with the Shawano Board of Education at its Aug. 2 meeting in support of the Shawano Community Middle School referendum on Nov. 3.
Good evening! I attended the tour of the middle school on July 22. It was an eye-opening experience, and I was surprised at some of the areas within school. So I decided to write down my concerns and communicate them to the board tonight.
It’s our responsibility to provide the children of this community with an educational environment that provides them the ability to learn and grow to be productive citizens.
The heating and cooling system, or lack thereof, is a huge area of concern. This system is the same system that was used when many of us attended that school, and for me that’s over 34 years ago. The uncontrolled temperatures are distracting not only for the students, but the teachers as well. I’ve talked to students and teachers about this, and they have stated it’s a difficult environment to work and learn in.
Other areas of concern includes the kitchen, which needs updating and to be brought up to code. This area should all be stainless steel, not laminated or butcher block counter tops and ancient equipment.
The band room not only needs updating, but there is also a safety concern. The storage area is on another level, which requires either a student or teacher to climb a ladder to access this area. I’m surprised there hasn’t been an injury that causes a liability issue.
The boys and girls locker rooms and showers are horrible. This is an embarrassment not only for our students, but also visiting schools. It’s another area of concern for health and safety issues.
I don’t know if all of you have had this tour, and if not I recommend you do so, so you can see firsthand what needs to be addressed.
The children, educators and staff of this community deserve a safe and healthy learning environment. Our children are the stepping stones of the future, and our educators and support staff play a key role in guiding these children to be productive adults. We’ve done a great job of focusing time and resources on the elementary and high schools in our area, so it’s time to focus on the middle school.
Leann Gueths,
Shawano
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